Is this the BEST Budget Table Saw? Rutlands R1618

[@Greyotterstudio]

UPDATE: Rutlands have now provided me with a link to their saw - which keeps selling out fast! www.rutlands.com/products/table-saw-255mm?sca_ref=6292302.kwLeYDqsQY *This is an affiliate link, and if you enjoyed this video and are planning on purchasing one I would be very grateful if you would use it.

[@Straightupbeginnerswoodwork]

Great advice for people yet to advance to a table saw. Can be a minefield when making a big purchase for beginners. Keep doing what you are doing mate. Always look forward to your videos.

[@Greyotterstudio]

Thanks very much buddy, appreciate the comment and support as ever! Much more stuff to come soon!

[@josephmuscat4536]

Great video. I have been waiting for someone to review the Rutlands saw and it looks really good. I am looking forward to being able to see more of it in action!

[@Greyotterstudio]

Thanks Joseph, i'll be using it quite alot whilst I get used to it so plenty of content to come! Anything in particuar you'd like to see?

[@josephmuscat4536]

Hi Alex, I have been on the look out for a cheaper saw as I don’t have a huge budget. I have always used the dewalt table saws but have recently gone out on my own and I need to get a saw for myself. Things I’d like to know: How robust is the frame and build of the saw, is the plastic good quality on the handles? as I work on building sites and it will be going in and out of the van on a regular basis. I will be mainly used for cutting rough sawn timber (wet a lot of the time) cladding and joists etc. Does it have the grunt to get through larger pieces of wood and the motor cope with it? Also, are you planning on getting a stand? I would be interested in seeing how sturdy they are. I understand your Workshop based, but if you could answer my question, that would be really appreciated Thanks, Joe

[@lordlucan66]

I saw a Skil review, it's not available in the England at the moment but when I was looking around I found this which looks to be almost identical.

[@Greyotterstudio]

They seem to be extremely similar, I’m under the impression they’re the same base build, just painted different colours and with the added legs on the SKIL!

[@liquidrockaquatics3900]

I am in the USA and was just thinking this looks like the skil unit

[@ozzpoz7]

Just purchased this saw thanks to your review. I think there's only 2 reviews of it on KZbin at the moment. Used it for the 1st time today. Making some Christmas tree star decorations. Next job is definitely the sled. My cuts weren't perfect using the mitre. Would love to see you do some beginner builds using this saw in the future. . thanks .

[@Greyotterstudio]

Thanks for the comment, glad you’re enjoying the table saw! Yes I found the mitre gauge to be a bit average too like I said in the video. I believe there are lots of good aftermarket ones out there but I haven’t got one myself yet :) I’d love to see what you build - feel free to drop me a DM on instagram. I’ll try get a table saw only build out once I’m through my next couple of uploads :) Have an awesome day!

[@NoCPU]

I recently purchased the Evolution 255TBL+ and they are almost identical. The one exception being dust extraction on the blade shield.

[@Greyotterstudio]

I’ve heard this to be the case, along with the new Skil saw too! That additional dust extraction sounds good!

[@stuartingram423]

Hi Alex, fantastic reviews and this one particularly. I also really appreciate the in depth tutorial on setting up the Rutlands table saw. As you stated, there arent many videos on Rutlands tools as this was a very welcome tutorial. Im still trying to fathom out how to remove the springs from the Rutlands r70 router for dedicated table use. Rutlands have some fantastic bidget friendly quality tools but their manuals are shockingly brief! Thanks again buddy and keep up the great work 🙂👍

[@Greyotterstudio]

Thanks bud! I’ve got a review on their new plunge saw coming out in the next week or two so be sure to watch out for that if you like Rutlands stuff :)?

[@Litehamer]

Found your channel after a post on woodworking uk. This looks great and will probably replace the near dangerous einhell short fence saw I have had for two years and used twice . Great video I’ve liked and subscribed

[@Greyotterstudio]

Thanks for the like and subscription! I have to admit, some reviews of the budget friendly saws scared me out of buying them, but the fence on this thing is solid and makes me feel alot more confident!

[@craiggraham9368]

I bought one when they first came out. And have just used it. I dont know whether ive got a bad one. But the blade deflects because theres so much side to side movement on frame.

[@Greyotterstudio]

Oh no! Sorry to hear that, mine is still going great but I’ve heard the odd one or two aren’t quite right. Have you contacted Rutlands yet to see if they’ll exchange it? Fingers crossed you get it sorted bud 🤞

[@craiggraham9368]

@@Greyotterstudio not yet but looks like i'll have to as i cant see any way of tightening anything. Shame as the fence and everything else seem spot on.

[@karlmdennis]

This is just the vid I've been looking for, stumbled across the Rutland whilst looking at cheap bosch table saws and it ticks every box for me. Your vid just got them another sale and you another subscriber! Thanks

[@Greyotterstudio]

Thanks for the kind comment and the subscription! I’m still loving the table saw, I think for the price it can’t be beat!

[@jamesfitzgerald9677]

Can the fence be setup on the left ?

[@PC-shortcuts-r-us]

Hi Alex, great video. I have a evolution rage 5 which in general I'm well impressed with, for around £300 you get a lot for your money but its fence and tilt function are pretty poor and both of those have a large effect on your accuracy so this Rutland's fence and tilt function might well make it a better buy.

[@Greyotterstudio]

Thanks for the comment, I came close to buying the evolution as well and then stumbled across the Rutlands pretty much just as it was coming out. Glad I opted for it in the end though, that fence is brilliant!

[@keithhooper6123]

Seen the new Evolution saw,on YT,and seems a big improvement, similar tongue Rutlands saw.

[@stuartingram423]

Hello Alex, brilliant video as usual. I am interested in this budget table saw. Could you or any of your subscribers tell me the dimension of the unit before the rack and pinion fence are installed? Thank you in advance 🙂👍

[@Greyotterstudio]

Hey Stuart, Thanks for the kind words! I'm a little confused by your question, do you mean the dimensions of the table without the rack and pinion fence? Because if so I'll nip to the workshop and measure it for you.

[@CraftySven]

Thank you for the review ! the price makes you wonder, and the fact that this is a new stock in their shop and only positive reviews.

[@Greyotterstudio]

No problem! So far I’m loving it to be honest, I find the blade guard a little bit awkward but that’s my only real negative. I’m doing more budget tool reviews soon - next up is a Bandsaw if you’d like to stick around for that :)

[@craddo]

Alex, great review mines still in the box while I build the new workbench for it. Look forward to the rest of the related vids. Lee.

[@Greyotterstudio]

Thanks Lee, looking forwards to seeing your Workbench once its finished!

[@andykynaston1261]

Great video, I was considering one of the cheaper Einhell table saws, however some research has changed my mind. This seems great value and a lot more robust so looking forward to ordering one, just need to coordinate delivery when the wife isn’t home.

[@Greyotterstudio]

Smart plan, I waited till mine visited her family, gotta box clever haha!

[@Blayda1]

I found this video instrumental in my choice of a new table saw. Cheers.

[@Greyotterstudio]

I’m glad you found it useful - if you’ve decided on this one I have a link in my description where you can find it 👍but if not let me know which model you’ve gone with and how it works out! All the best.

[@richarddenney8412]

Great review, is it soft start? or bang and away you go?

[@Greyotterstudio]

Not a soft start I’m afraid

[@bigrich6750]

This appears to be the same saw as the Skill, just painted black instead of red, which I bought recently in the U.S. for less than $300. The push rod and the fence looks exactly the same, but the mitre gauge looks a bit better on the Rutlands. Of course, the Skill has foldable legs.

[@Greyotterstudio]

Yes I’ve heard they might be produced in the same factories then just painted to whichever brand is selling them. The foldable legs sound excellent, I had to build a table for mine. The mitre gauge is pretty poor, I’ll be looking to upgrade it soon.

[@tonyf68]

Looks like a great saw for the money, due to it having the rack and pinion fence. Does it have soft start?

[@kevinwillis6707]

Not at that price, and you'd better get ear defenders...😅

[@Greyotterstudio]

No it doesn’t, but there are people who have fitted them to it (not me as I wouldn’t know how) but tbh with a set of ear defence and my dust collection on I don’t notice any real difference!

[@deanobenito]

Great alternative to the dewalt and cheaper I bought the little planer thickness from Rutlands and was great,thank you so much for posting this looking forward to the updates 💚🙏💯👊

[@Greyotterstudio]

Thanks bud, I'll be posting more about it soon! How have you found the planer thicknesser?

[@D.TTechnician]

i must admit i found rutlands a few years back and got a few of there tools and kit laying around my workshop they do some really good quality bits at a fair price never had any trouble with anything i've brought and if somethings been a miss or arrived damaged they've been quick to sort that all out.

[@Greyotterstudio]

Nice! Have to say I'm pretty pleased so far!

[@Bluuuz]

Nice video. I've got a router table from Rutlands and I had a few minor issues but their customer service is second to none, so you can buy with confidence from this company

[@Greyotterstudio]

I had a couple of questions when I bought this and to be fair the replies were quick and super helpful! I'll have to check out the router table, thanks for the heads up!

[@szaveljev]

20:30 "and it doesnt move there's no play" and it literally moves 1-2 mm to the right when the knob is turned :D

[@Greyotterstudio]

I’ve found no movement when making cuts with it, the fence is decent but the mitre gauge is pretty poor.

[@AndyFisher1965]

Just been looking at this saw on there web site as an upgrade so a welcome report.

[@Greyotterstudio]

No problem, if you do go for it let me know what you think of it!

[@michaelwillson6847]

M8 that looks wicked. I have the einhell one you took a shot at at the start the video. But u are right the fence is bit slack I need to make a auxiliary to try solve that. I think Rutlands have some really good products. might be worth asking for colabriations??,🤔🤔🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿👍

[@Greyotterstudio]

The Einhell still looks good, but as you've said, alot of the reviews I've seen suggest the fence is a little wiggly, and I have enough trouble cutting straight as it is! Hah maybe, I don't think anyone is interested in my little channel but maybe one day! Thanks for the comment as always bud!

[@michaelwillson6847]

@@Greyotterstudio m8 a think you'd be very surprised a saw someone the other day who's had a lumberjack haul of stuff sent to them half the followers you've got and only few hundred on FB. Be worth asking worst they could say is no. They do amazing dust extraction aswell. I looked at one there models. Yea a must say the 2 gripes I have with the saw is the wiggly fence and noise it's not exactly quiet. 👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@philkirkham1000]

Hi mate, great vids and long time subscriber. Going to start my own channel but had to comment on this one. I have this saw and a week ago the guard exploded! Chipped the saw and bent the riving knife. Contacted them and can't replace the riving knife so cannot recommend this saw

[@Greyotterstudio]

Hey mate, first and most importantly - that must of been scary! Are you ok?! Sorry to hear that happened, and thanks for sharing your story. I’ve had no issues but admittedly I don’t have my crown guard on as I’ve found the thumb screw got in the way of my cuts.

[@philkirkham1000]

@@Greyotterstudio Hey Alex, all is well. I actually like the saw other than that. Previously had a rage 5s and have lots of stuff from Rutlands, hopefully they will be in a position to be able to offer replacement parts if needed soon.

[@uliman100]

I think this comes out of the same factory as the Evolution saws... looks very simmilar but I am only going on what I can see in the video, maybe a direct comparison between the two would resolve any differences and or similarities

[@Greyotterstudio]

Interesting, I’ve heard similar ideas about the skil saw but not about the evolution - I’ll have to have a look!

[@mikehook5613]

Can the blade and the knife be wound down below. the table height?

[@Greyotterstudio]

Yes they can, that’s generally how I store mine

[@billyboy9141]

Thanks for the great review, been looking for one for a while now. I have a question regarding the mitre slot. Is the depth the standard 9.5mm which is the thickness of virtually all third party mitre gauge tracks? (for some strange reason the mitre slot on the Rage5 is only 7mm or thereabouts). Rutlands themselves sell a mitre gauge so I'm hoping ...

[@Greyotterstudio]

Hi Billy thanks for the comment! I’ve just measured the mitre slot with bleary early morning eyes and got it to be 9mm deep, and the mitre gauge that comes supplied the same - so I think it’s probably 9.5 and my eyes just aren’t quite awake yet!

[@billyboy9141]

Thanks for the quick reply .. it gives me food for thought.

[@nijmegan05]

Great Review! I've recently purchased a parkside tabletop saw from Lidl. I think it's great for occasional use. Any thoughts?

[@Greyotterstudio]

I’ve never used one but I’ve heard they’re great for occasional DIY use but the fence isn’t brilliant, probably spot on for occasional use but not fine woodworking like box making.

[@vinceolsen9126]

Looks almost exactly the same as the dewalt version. I had the dewalt but sold it as was just to powerful / ridiculous noise for home use How loud is this one?

[@Greyotterstudio]

I’ve not put a decibel measurer on it but I’d liken it to a jet engine tbh! It’s not very quiet, I use to sets of ear defence when operating it.

[@waynelambert4108]

Does the riving knife adjust with the blade or is it fixed ?

[@Greyotterstudio]

@@waynelambert4108 you can move the riving knife up and down

[@rianmc4760]

The rack and pinion system is best for jobsite saws

[@Greyotterstudio]

Its fantastic isn't it.

[@WoodWizardrybyColin]

great video I like Rutlands they have some great bits at good prices I have the band saw am now tempted to get the table saw too

[@Greyotterstudio]

Thanks Colin, I have to admit I'm pleased with it! How are you finding the Band Saw?

[@WoodWizardrybyColin]

@@Greyotterstudio I really like it Ive replaced the blade for a better quality one and it cuts perfectly every time Its pretty quiet too

[@dronepilotflyby9481]

The same factory in China is cranking out this same saw, with a few variations in options for each brand purchasing it. Check out the Evolution and Skil.

[@Greyotterstudio]

Yes I've seen that, I think the only variation on the skil is it comes with the fold out legs installed.

[@Wes12940]

how does it compare with the Scheppach HS105 in your opinion? thats another great value table saw, I heard

[@Greyotterstudio]

I've not used a scheppach HS105 but I think the inclusion of legs/a stand for a very similar price point is a nice touch.

[@marybois-byrne6729]

Searched for it in the U.S. No luck! Do you have a link in the U.S. for the table saw?

[@aristo188]

usa has way more decent options, try homedepot or lowes.

[@kychengb]

I'm pretty sure the Skil Table Saw available in the US is almost identical to this - I was actually looking for that (pretty sure it's not available in the UK) when I came across this Rutlands one and I've seen several people say bar a couple of extremely minor things being different, it is near identical to this one. Great review Alex, just what I was looking for before thinking of ordering one!

[@Greyotterstudio]

I'm afraid I don't have a link for the US, but the UK Rutlands site says they ship to over 200 countries so I'm sure the US is one of them!

[@Greyotterstudio]

Thanks mate, I also looked at the Skil Saw for a while and had to find other options when I couldn't find it in the UK! The Rutlands one seems to be doing well so far, especially compared against others at a similar price.

[@kevocos]

The rutlands is a good option but the excel is currently on sale on Amazon for £169, its a no brainer at that money.

[@Greyotterstudio]

Wow, that’s an outrageously low price!!

[@BG-hp6mu]

Does it have an induction motor?

[@Greyotterstudio]

In all honesty I’m not sure

[@zooropa33]

Sound in mono?

[@Greyotterstudio]

Yes sorry I’m still learning how to edit and have only found out this week what this is and how to fix it in future videos!

[@michealhand1001]

Hello Alex is itReally that quiet???

[@Greyotterstudio]

It’s pretty loud to be honest, I just turned the volume down so it wasn’t offensive on peoples ear drums!

[@nickp3173]

Can you use a dado in this?

[@Greyotterstudio]

I’m not sure, I don’t see why you couldn’t but I don’t own why so can’t say for certain - the Rutlands customer service team will probably be able to answer that.

[@the4dudleys]

Nice review Alex!

[@Greyotterstudio]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@tomnorman5461]

4:27 Your back yard (garden) needs to be mowed.

[@Greyotterstudio]

Haha I know! Unfortunately in the UK we’ve been having a lot of wet weather that meant I haven’t been able to get round to it just yet!

[@keithhooper6123]

Sold out as of 2/4/24.Thanks tho the good reviews,I guess.

[@Greyotterstudio]

Sorry to hear this - hopefully they will have more in stock soon!

[@zolcsixyz9973]

Can you build this into a work table?

[@Greyotterstudio]

Yes you can - you can build most job site style saws into a workbench!

[@dmitarbogunovic6094]

Dose it take a dado stack ?

[@Greyotterstudio]

Most Dado stacks are illegal in the UK so im afraid I haven’t tried!

[@ericshepherd5672]

Yeah it will but not a big stack..

[@201081hero]

@@Greyotterstudio That myth has been going around the internet for years, the rules may differ to their use in a private or commercial environment but they are definitely not illegal in the UK. If they were then Axminster would be breaking the law as they sell them!

[@Greyotterstudio]

@@201081hero Ahh I see - well thankyou for setting me straight! Every day is a school day!

[@espressomatic]

That's an all-black Dewalt - previous generation model.

[@Greyotterstudio]

Maybe so - I've heard rumours that maybe their patent expired on the rack and pinion fence as lots of models like this have come out at once!

[@espressomatic]

@@Greyotterstudio A lot of the cast/injection parts look the same, along with the extrusion, stamped and bent metal parts on the fence. Some parts, like power switch are updated, but the similarities are uncanny/

[@ericshepherd5672]

That isn't just like the Skil table saw that is the Skil table saw just painted black.. I have a Skil and it's brilliant but looking at that I'd say they were both built by the same people.. The only difference I can see is the Skil has a way better blade guard once you actually figure out how to mount it and it's miter gauge is a dog turd compared to that one.. The big difference is the Skil has fold out legs which are rock solid.. My last project I ran a 2 meter length of 160x65 Rosewood through it and it it ate it no problem I just used an out feed roller to handle the other end.. A couple of things to say both have that same rubbish plastic blade plate, biff it and like me make a solid wooden one.. If you look at one of the shots in that video you'll see it's already bent.. The other thing to point out and this was the biggest bonus for me is if you look along the track where the fence is mounted you can see you actually extra mounting points on the other side of the blade so you have the ability to flip the fence over and make the whole machine a fully left handed.. I'm a lefty and like most of us we find standard gear like table saws difficult and sometimes downright dangerous to use.. I'm in NZ and have never heard of Rutland but if I told you where the skew adjustment on the blade is you'd find it in an instant.. Everything is made by the same manufacturers these days and they just put enough ever so slight variations in it so a different brand name can be slapped on it.. I prefer the Skil, the fold out legs are brilliant, it's the only major difference between them.. I've had my Skil for close on a year now and it is an amazing tool, perfect for the home shop.. Take it from me they are the same tool and no one will be disappointed with it's performance..

[@Greyotterstudio]

Thanks for the additional info bud! Skil saws aren’t available over here but wouldn’t surprise me if they’re made in the same factory and just rebranded as necessary like you said.

[@paulhodgson4790]

Skil are just about to drop a table saw on the UK market. Good to see Rutlands getting in early. I got the Rutlands saw in December on pre-order for £250. I love it. It has coped with everything I've thrown at it. I find myself defending it on Woodworking UK a lot. There are quite a lot of us that just can't afford a DeWalt and just don't trust Excel or Scheppach build quality. This hit the sweet spot for me. Great review.

[@ericshepherd5672]

@@paulhodgson4790 They're both the same machine and I am just over the moon with the Skil variant.. There is a lot of fine tuning that can be done to make it perform even better.. I just finished up a dining room table and it surpassed my expectations.. I bought the machine plus a 80 liter dust extractor unit plus outfeed rollers and the bill still came in cheaper than the bare DeWalt.. For the home guy on a budget this machine is a game changer..

[@anthonygriffin3147]

I've bought one today on the strenth of this video if it's shit I'll blame you lol joking but uther people saying parts are hard to get 3 year warranty carnt be bad thanks for the vidio

[@Greyotterstudio]

Best of luck with it! I’m really enjoying mine!

[@kevinwillis6707]

Looks like a near copy of the older DeWalt dw745, a great site saw, but accuracy wasnt great for fine work, the tables are usually dished in the centre, and although the rack and pinion adjustment is fantastic, the fence itself is a bit flimsy, my old one fell apart eventually . The biggest drawback with these site saws is the screaming sound of the motor. I got tired of the noise in the end and got a proper cast iron saw, so quiet but the thousand quid price tag is only for serious hobbyists and full timers. If only the rack and pinion fence was available on other saws.

[@Greyotterstudio]

Admittedly this is a bit quieter then I was expecting! Although I had biiiiig ear defenders on my view may be a bit muffled!

[@AJBTemplar]

How odd that these Rutlands reviews are popping up everywhere.

[@Greyotterstudio]

It's because it's a fairly new model!

[@keithhooper6123]

Effective,as they are now out of stock.

[@vincewakefield2609]

looks the same as Evolution and Flex saws.

[@Greyotterstudio]

I’ve believe it’s the same as the new skil model too, just without the legs.

[@vincewakefield2609]

@@Greyotterstudio I suspect there is a factory churning out the basic machines and each company adds there worn twist to it.

[@lintorraktor]

Skil, without legs.

[@Greyotterstudio]

Yes I believe they’re manufactured in the same factory!

[@優さん-n7m]

What about soft-start?

[@Greyotterstudio]

No soft start I’m afraid